If you only have a week to travel in Europe sometimes it is best to start with a capital city. That’s why I am sharing my top five European capital cities that I love to visit. Let’s start with number one.
European Capital City #1 – Dublin, Ireland
Why is Dublin #1 – it is fun!! This is where Guinness is made. Dublin is full of pubs and great music. If you don’t know how to have a good time in Dublin, then you are just no fun. Kim and I went there a few years ago to see U2 live in concert – awesome. We had so much fun during that trip…probably too much fun. In Dublin, that is okay.
European Capital City #2 – Paris, France
I have been to Paris several times and it is always amazing. So many sites to see – Eifel Tower, Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Notre Dame Cathedral to name a few. You can spend a week in Paris and not run out of things to see and do. By the way – Paris has world-class food. I eat like a king when I am in Paris. Rick Steves recommends that you stay in a neighborhood called Rue Cler. I am a creature of habit, so that is where I go when I am in Paris. I enjoy sitting at a cafe, drinking a cup of coffee, soaking in the Paris cafe culture. What a great way to spend an afternoon.
European Capital City #3 – London, England
I have visited London multiple times and there are so many great things to do. Take advantage of the fact that there has been a king or queen of England for hundreds of years. Visit the royal sites that you cannot see in other places. Oh, by the way, there are plenty of pubs and fascinating museums in London. It is super easy to get around the city using the tube. The last time I was in London we spent four days there and each day was full of great things to see and do.
European Capital City #4 – Amsterdam, the Netherlands
I have only been to Amsterdam once. Kim and I went there a few years ago, and we had a blast. The canals alone make it worth a visit. We took a canal tour with Those Dam Boat Guys and had a ton of fun. Amsterdam also includes several great museums and a very walkable old part of the city. Sure, there are some parts of Amsterdam culture that may not appeal to you like marijuana and the red light district, but you can easily avoid those things at night. Go to Amsterdam and experience this fun and unique European capital.
European Capital City #5 – Brussels, Belgium
I have been to Brussels many, many times. Some people say that Brussels is boring and that is not true. They have beer and chocolates to die for. One of my favorite city squares is in Brussels, the Grand Place. If nothing else, head there and just hang out.
Three quick questions about European capitals
- What is the capital city I want to visit the most? Prague – I would love to see what this capital looks like now.
- What is the new capital I want to explore soon? Rome – hard to believe I have never been here.
- What is the obscure capital I want to discover? Ljubljana – it looks unbelievably cool.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.